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Kent Opens Up to Celebrate the 2012 Games

Youth Got TalentOpen Weekend returned to Kent over the 24-26 July weekend, offering people across the county the chance to celebrate art, culture and sport, in the lead up the London 2012 Games.

Last year around 700,000 people enjoyed Open Weekend events around the UK, and this year was bigger and better than ever, with over 150 events held in the South East – with 24 fantastic events held in Kent.

The Open Weekend also marked the three year countdown until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The Open Weekend forms a key part of London 2012’s Cultural Olympiad and aims to bring communities together through cultural events, encouraging participation and providing opportunities to try something new.

Some of the great events held in Kent included:

  • ‘Youth Got Talent’ at Turner Contemporary in Margate
  • National Youth Theatre performance to celebrate the first flight across the Channel
  • A free fun day for over 300 people with learning disabilities organized by East Kent Mencap
  • Sports activities and taster days throughout the county.

KCC Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill said: “Open Up is a chance to use the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics to discover the wide range of venues, activities and opportunities we have right here on our doorstep in Kent. This is a chance to get out and about and explore everything the county has to offer.”

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: "We've always been clear that London 2012 is about more than just sport, we want to create a Games for the Nation and Games that are accessible to everyone.  We created Open Weekend as part of the Cultural Olympiad, to enable people to share in the countdown celebrations towards London 2012 but also be inspired by the Games to discover new interests and develop their talents."  
 
"Open Weekend is part of our vision for the Games to inspire lasting change.  The fantastic range of Open Weekend events provide opportunities for everyone to access excellence across sport, art and culture and try something new.  The Games are thriving across the UK and we are grateful to the organisations that have partnered with us to make Open Weekend happen."

To find out more about the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games, please take a look around this site.

Your Arts 2012 and the Cultural Olympiad Cultural Baton